MANILA, Philippines — Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo lauded all stakeholders for the peaceful and democratic election of the first chief minister and other officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Abdulraof Macacua was elected chief minister with 51 votes against former chief minister Ahod Ebrahim. The members of the first regular BARMM parliament elected the chief minister during their first session on Oct. 30. One abstained and another was absent.
Bagaforo, the chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue (CBCP-ECID) welcomed Macacua's election and described it as "a historic step for the peace process."
The bishop lauded the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its leaders led by Ahod Ebrahim and Vice Chairman Mohagher Iqbal for the peaceful and democratic transition from the transitional administration.
Previously, the BARMM was administered by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
The CBCP-ECID also recognized the role of the MILF in the peaceful and orderly leadership transition.
"On behalf of the CBCP-ECID, we express our support and solidarity with the new Bangsamoro government and parliament," Bagaforo said.
"The Church will continue to walk with our Muslim brothers and sisters, with Indigenous Peoples, and with all communities in the region in dialogue, friendship, and the common work of building a just and lasting peace," he said.
The bishop expressed hope that the new administration would pursue open and just governance.
The peaceful election of BARMM leaders reflected the message of President Ferdinan Marcos Jr. during the inaugural session which he described as a milestone in the peace process.
The President called on the new parliamentary coalition to uphold unity, statesmanship and cooperation, stressing that the political arrangement is measured by their capacity to translate the gains of peace into responsive governance, economic opportunities and better public service.
“It means ensuring that the dividends of peace are felt in the daily lives of every Bangsamoro family,” Marcos said.
He reaffirmed the government’s support for Bangsamoro autonomy and its democratic institutions.
“Your success is the success of the country,” the President said.
